If you’re like me, Summer is an extra busy time! It can be hard to get in a solid 20 minutes of reading a day, let alone finish a book. Checking out audiobooks is easier than ever, and a great way to keep up on your reading list while accomplishing other things like cleaning the house or hiking. Here’s my “playlist” for the summer. Click on a title to check it out for yourself!

There are lots of ways to get audiobooks from the Library. You can check out CD’s from the Library Catalog, download, or stream a title onto your mobile device using the Library's free apps. All you need is your Library card! Learn more in the E-Library.

You’ve probably seen therapy dogs in public places, but you may not know that these very special animals are helping humans in more ways than ever! Animal therapy is a rapidly growing field. In both clinical and nonclinical settings, these animals can aid in recovery and promote mental wellness.

Love on a Leash is a national organization dedicated to connecting animal therapy teams with people who need them. They bring therapy animals to senior citizens, hospitals, and our Libraries!

Linda Bolen heads up local Love on a Leash efforts and has some amazing stories to tell.

​You might see Love on a Leash service dogs around the Library reading with children. Therapy dogs can help make reading fun. The dogs do not judge or correct. They make what can be difficult for some, less of a chore, and more of a fun interaction. Dogs visiting libraries also give children who don’t have a dog a way to interact with them and show them that dogs aren’t scary. They just want to be friends!

"During a visit to the library, there was a shy girl who was nervous about reading aloud. She told her mom that she didn’t want her mom or the handler to listen to her read. She proceeded to cuddle up to the dog real close and whisper the book in her ear."

Linda explains, sometimes just the spirit of the dogs bring can brighten someone’s day or bring them inspiration. Animals can provide positive vibes in daily- sometimes hectic- lives. Pets can help lower blood pressure and regulate heart rate. They bring a calmness and generally put a smile on people’s faces.

"During one visit to the hospital with our dogs, there was a patient with her adult daughter who was in the middle of her breakfast. While we were there chatting with our dogs, the patient started to eat. After a lengthy visit, we said our goodbyes and started to leave. The daughter came out in the hallway to tell us she’d been trying to get her mom to eat all morning. The joy our dogs brought to her gave her the willingness to want to eat." ​

recommended readingClick on a title to reserve in the library catalog

Dear Ask Alison,
Does the Library have any books on mindfulness for kids?
~ Kathleen R., O'Fallon

Loving our precious little humans is easy. Helping them learn the skills to navigate this chaotic world is not always. I don’t know one parent who doesn’t feel overwhelmed by the everyday pressures of raising children. Kids can feel this way too, and they need guidance from us to help them deal with stress in a healthy way.
​Mindful parenting is a growing movement, and a subject about which we have many questions at the Library. Among other things, it includes teaching children about meditation, mindful breathing, eating, movement, and daily practices of gratitude. Here are some books that show the importance of raising mindful children and some tips to help along the way.

and here are some just for the kiddos...

want more? check out a family or kids yoga kit(click image to reserve in library catalog)

Spring is here, farmer’s markets are opening, and I’m excited to get creative in the kitchen! Whatever your opinion on Gwyneth Paltrow, we can all agree that she makes “effortless” look fabulous.It’s All Easy: Delicious Weekday Recipes for the Super-Busy Home Cookis her third cookbook and her attempt to connect with those of us who don’t have a-list budgets (or kitchens).

The pictures are beautiful, so much in fact that I thought the recipes would need special equipment. Not so! The dishes are surprisingly simple, and many have 10 ingredients or less. Gwyneth uses a ton of seasonal and local veggie options, with some creative twists on old standards. Some of my faves are Beet Chips (p.52) and cauliflower tabbouleh (p. 131).I’m not confident that I could fitallof these recipes into my busy weeknight repertoire, but you could definitely find something to impress dinner guests with minimal effort.

If you’re inspired to try some of these recipes with local produce, you can search for farmer’s markets in your area on theUSDA Local Food Directorieswebpage. I also love clicking around onEat Well Guide where you can search for locally-sourced restaurants stores, and farming cooperatives near you.

recommended readingclick on a title to reserve in the library catalog

Valentine’s Day is on its way. This is one holiday where I like to go all-out, especially since it falls during that dreary lull between New Year’s and Spring. Don’t have a fancy date? Don’t despair! Here are some ideas to help you celebrate at home. Just add wine and some fun picks from the Library to make your night extra special.

Fly solo with a great book Spending a night alone is 100 percent acceptable for me, any day of the year. I’m thinkingThe GreatGatsbypaired with an easy meal in a mug would be the perfect way to celebrate the most important relationship I have: myself!

Cuddle up with the KiddosSometimes, there’s no one I’d rather be with than my hilarious little guys. We like to decorate the house and dress “fancy” to make dinner extra fun. Plus, they love themed food as much as I do!

Pair with Pinot Grigio (sparkling grape juice for the little ones)
and a fun read from Tumblebooks​​

Date Night InSkip the reservations and hefty prix fixes and make a healthy meal at home for your sweetheart. Change out your regular light-bulbs for red, or dine completely by candlelight to make the night extra romantic.

​Pair with a Syrah-style Rose and your favorite
​Pet magazine in Zinio

Galentines(or Bromance)I’m so blessed to have friends that I’ve known for more than half my life. What better way to celebrate these life-long love affairs than a fondue party and our favorite Rom Com!

Winos rejoice! Pairing wine with food can add to the health benefits. Research has shown that Resveratrol, a chemical found in red grape skins, is likely effective for reducing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. Overindulging, however, can increase the risk for these conditions, and many others. One glass per day for women and no more than two per day for men is recommended for healthy adults.

Attend the Treat Yourself and Your Heart Event to receive free BMI, Blood Pressure, and Bone Density screenings from Barnes Jewish St. Peters and Progress West Hospitals, as well as some fun pampering activities just for you! Learn more here:Treat Yourself and Your Heart

Materials and reference assistance at the St. Charles City-County Library District are provided for informational purposes only. None of the information provided is intended as​medical advice nor is it meant to establish a doctor/patient relationship or prescribe or replace the advice or opinion of health care professionals. You should always consult a physician before beginning or making changes in your diet, supplements or exercise program; for diagnosis and treatment of illness and injuries; and for advice regarding medications.